2026 Optical Coatings Undergraduate Intern
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL) supports the effective and timely development and operation of national security systems through scientific research and the application of advanced technologies. PSL has more than 150 specialized laboratories used to test, analyze, and troubleshoot virtually every aspect of rocket and satellite system design, development, construction, deployment, and operation. The expertise of the laboratories’ technical staff allows PSL to stay abreast of new technological developments and program support issues associated with rapidly evolving space systems. The qualified candidate will become part of the Materials Processing Department within the Space Materials Laboratory in the Physical Sciences Laboratories. The Advanced Materials Processing section of the Materials Processing Department (MPD) within the Space Materials Laboratory (SML) provides expertise and laboratory capabilities in optical materials, thin films, and space environmental effects on materials for advanced space systems. MPD hosts an interdisciplinary team working across materials science, chemistry, physics, optics, and engineering to design, manufacture, and test optical materials for space applications. We are seeking an individual with a foundation in materials science, optical materials, or materials processing to support research and technology development related to optical thin films, coatings, and optical materials for space applications. Highlights of our lab's capabilities can be seen here: Virtual Tour The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA.
Requirements
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Must work well in a team environment
- Possess organizational, time management and project management skills
- Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need
- Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college/university program pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Optics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Availability to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside of university term and ability to return to a Bachelor's degree program full-time after completion of the internship.
- Sophomore class standing completed by internship start date.
- Coursework in materials science.
- Coursework or hands-on laboratory experience related to optics, optical materials, thin films, materials processing, vapor deposition techniques, or optical property characterization.
- Minimum GPA 3.0.
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government.
- U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
- Transcripts required
Nice To Haves
- GPA 3.5 or higher.
- Familiarity with physical vapor deposition techniques, such as sputtering or evaporation.
- Prior experience in a laboratory environment and with lab safety protocols.
- Familiarity with laboratory data collection and data analysis.
- Experience with one or more of the following: high-vacuum systems and hardware, lasers and optical systems, automation and data acquisition, mechanical design software.
- Active security clearance
Responsibilities
- Provide scientific and laboratory support to programs investigating optical thin films and coatings for advanced spacecraft applications.
- Train to operate and utilize materials processing and thin film deposition equipment, characterization techniques, and optical property measurement tools to deposit optical materials and evaluate their behavior.
- Work closely with technical staff and scientists to develop, design, build, and modify characterization, testing, and analysis methods and tools to evaluate optical materials.
- Apply standard techniques and procedures to carry out a series of scientific and/or engineering tasks.
- Resolve experiment, testing, and hardware issues, anomalies, and challenges.
- Collect, analyze, and present test data.
- Participate with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing research or technical programs.
- Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned as needed.
- Training and mentorship will be provided.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
- 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
- Education assistance programs
- An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
